Who We Are
The Ealing Symphony Orchestra is an independent ensemble based in West London, presenting five to six major concerts annually. Established in 1922, the Orchestra has earned recognition as a leading non-professional orchestra within the London music scene, gaining a reputation for performing both unconventional works and classical repertoire.
Under the direction of John Gibbons since 1994, the Orchestra has been instrumental in promoting British music by showcasing lesser-known works of British composers. Notably, the Orchestra has performed a complete cycle of all nine Malcolm Arnold symphonies and is currently progressing through a cycle of all twelve symphonies by George Lloyd.
While the Orchestra primarily performs in West London, it has also participated in significant events beyond the region. These include the prestigious Malcolm Arnold Festival in Northampton (UK), where it premiered Arnold’s comic opera The Dancing Master; the inaugural concert of the amphitheatre at La Mortella in Ischia (Italy) in honour of Lady Walton’s 80th birthday; and two performances at the Cēsis Arts Festival (Latvia), with a third visit planned for July 2025.
The ESO has a long history of nurturing emerging musical talent as they develop their repertoire and careers as solo performance artists. The Orchestra has worked with many winners and runners up of the BBC Young Musician of the Year competition in this capacity (including Nicola Benedetti, Laura van der Heijden, Lara Melda, Sheku Kanneh Mason and Jess Gillam), and it has a longstanding arrangement with the annual Ealing Festival of Music to offer the winner of the Concerto Award an opportunity to perform with a symphony orchestra.
The Orchestra’s reputation for bold and innovative programming was recently reinforced by the commission of a new Concerto for Electric Violin and Orchestra, in collaboration with Spanish composer Ángela Luq and Latvian violinist Roberts Balanas. Machina humana received its world première in Ealing on 10 May, and will be performed again in Latvia in July.
Comprising approximately 50 permanent members, many of whom have attained an advanced level of musical training, the Orchestra holds auditions for its wind and brass sections, whereas string players are invited to join upon meeting the minimum musical qualifications.
The ESO operates without public funding, covering its expenses through membership subscriptions, financial support from Friends of the Orchestra, and sponsorships from local businesses.
John Gibbons, musical director
John has conducted most of the major British orchestras and features in an extensive recording catalogue. An alumnus of Queens’ College, Cambridge, the Royal Academy of Music, and the Royal College of Music, John is renowned for his efforts to place British music at the forefront of the live performing scene.
John has been ESO’s musical director since 1994.
Peter Nall, leader
Growing up in a music-loving family, Peter started violin lessons at an early age, first at the Leicestershire Schools of Music and then at the Royal College of Music, and has enjoyed a successful career of solo, chamber, and orchestral performances, as well as dealing in fine stringed instruments and bows.
Peter has been ESO’s regular leader since 2012.
David Way, viola lead
A graduate of the Guildhall School of Music, David started his musical life as a violinist. He has worked with orchestras in the UK and in Norway.
David joined the ESO viola section in 2018.
Rachael Bucknall, cello lead
Rachael graduated with first class honours from Trinity College, London. Her career has been varied, from active engagement in chamber music to touring in the support band for Blur, as well as one-to-one tuition.
Rachael has been with the ESO since 1998.